My 99 Cousins

71 - Nephi

In this heartfelt episode of My 99 Cousins, Devin Andersen sits down with his cousin Nephi alongside Devin’s wife, Sarah, for a meaningful conversation filled with humor, family stories, faith, and wisdom. Nephi shares the chaotic adventure of traveling to Utah with his wife Melanie and their five children during spring break, including unexpected car trouble that nearly derailed the trip. What begins as lighthearted family banter quickly unfolds into a deeper discussion about resilience, parenting, and personal growth. Nephi, a pediatrician from Idaho Falls and one of fifteen siblings, reflects on his upbringing in a large and faith-centered family. The conversation explores how his experiences shaped his approach to medicine, fatherhood, and mentoring young people. With warmth and humility, Nephi discusses the pressures kids face today and the importance of allowing children to experience challenges, setbacks, and even public failure so they can develop confidence, perseverance, and emotional resilience. Throughout the episode, the family dives into the concept of a “growth mindset,” emphasizing the power of the word “yet.” Nephi explains how believing improvement is always possible can transform the way we approach life’s obstacles. Drawing from personal experiences, faith, and lessons learned through parenting and leadership, the discussion highlights how adversity often becomes the foundation for growth and strength. The episode blends practical insights with uplifting spiritual perspectives that resonate far beyond the family circle. Filled with laughter, sincerity, and genuine admiration for family relationships, this episode is ultimately a celebration of connection and becoming better together. From stories about childhood and family reunions to reflections on faith and human potential, Nephi leaves listeners with an inspiring reminder: every weakness, challenge, and dream is simply a “yet” in progress.

70 - Amy

Devin, Sarah, and Tim went to visit the Krzymowski’s to sit down with Amy and hear the story of her life—one shaped by family, faith, music, and enduring love. Amy shares what it was like growing up as the oldest of eleven in a close-knit family, surrounded by cousins, grandparents, and constant connection. From early on, her world was filled with music, especially the violin, which became a defining part of her identity as she learned to play and eventually performed for folk dancers at BYU. As the conversation unfolds, Amy recounts the unexpected beginnings of her relationship with David. Though they briefly crossed paths as children in Primary, it wasn’t until years later—after he saw her picture and felt inspired to reach out—that their story truly began. Their relationship grew thoughtfully and intentionally, and even as they felt drawn toward marriage, Amy chose to serve a mission. David’s decision to wait, faithfully writing her every day, became a defining chapter in their love story. After Amy returned home, it didn’t take long for them to recognize what they already knew— they were meant to build a life together. They married and began raising a family of their own, welcoming eleven children into a home centered on love, faith, and intentional connection. Amy and David share insights into family life, the joy found in everyday moments, and the ways they’ve tried to create a home where each person feels valued and supported. Throughout the episode, a deeper theme emerges: the belief that Christ can bridge the gaps in our lives—between people, within families, and inside our own hearts. Amy and David reflect on their hopes for unity, love, and understanding, emphasizing a quiet but powerful message: to keep hearts open, to choose love consistently, and to trust that even in the spaces where connection feels distant, there is always a way back.

69 - Rebekah

In this episode of My 99 Cousins, Devin and Sarah sit down with Rebecca to talk about her life growing up in the middle of a big, lively family on a farm. As the seventh of thirteen children, she shares stories of hard work, constant adventure, and the kind of mischief that only comes from being surrounded by siblings. Alongside the laughter, Rebecca reflects on the tender and deeply empathetic heart she developed early on—even recalling how she once cried for baby Jesus because He didn’t have a crib. Rebecca opens up about some of the defining decisions in her life, including learning to follow spiritual promptings even when they didn’t make sense at the time. She shares experiences from her mission, the determination that shaped her there, and the unexpected way she met her future husband through playful debates over scripture. What started as disagreement eventually turned into something much deeper, and after reconnecting following their missions, their relationship quickly grew into a strong and lasting partnership. They also talk about the life Rebecca and her husband have built together—raising five children in a home centered on faith, love, and purpose. Rebecca shares her decision to focus on motherhood and what that sacrifice has meant to her, while also reflecting on the quiet, meaningful ways her husband leads both at home and in his work as a teacher. Their story isn’t one of worldly success, but of something far more lasting. Throughout the conversation, Rebecca shares the message she hopes to pass on to her children: to stay close to Jesus Christ, to trust Him in both the small and big decisions, and to build a life that is centered on Him. It’s a conversation full of humor, sincerity, and faith—and a powerful reminder of what matters most.

68 - Lynette

Devin and Sarah go to the Lewis home in Orem to meet up with Lynette while she's in town. Lynette shares memories of her cousins and family before Devin shares memories he gathered from Lynettes family, beginning with her upbringing in a large family in Springfield, Oregon. Growing up as one of thirteen siblings, she developed a strong sense of connection, faith, and resilience early on. A defining moment came when she felt prompted to serve a mission, which was later confirmed through a dream and the announcement lowering the missionary age. Lynette was called to serve in Curitiba, Brazil, though her path there wasn’t immediate. She spent several months serving in South Carolina before transitioning to Brazil, where she learned Portuguese and grew significantly through the challenges of missionary life. Her time on the mission helped shape her confidence, leadership, and testimony. After returning home, Lynette eventually met her husband, Ian—despite an earlier attempt by a mutual connection to introduce them that didn’t work out at the time. Their relationship developed later and led to marriage. Since then, their life has included medical training, moves across different states, and building a family together, all while staying close to their values and maintaining strong relationships along the way.

67 - Whitney

Whitney and Derek share a warm, thoughtful conversation about family, faith, and the moments that shaped their life together. Whitney reflects on growing up in the Anderson family, remembering cousins, reunions, and the love of a large extended family that gave her a sense of belonging from an early age. She also shares meaningful memories of aunts and uncles whose kindness, service, and simple words of wisdom left a lasting mark on her life. The episode also tells the story of how Whitney and Derek met. Their first connection came in college at BYU, where they crossed paths through Logan, and their relationship developed later as friendship turned into something deeper. Derek talks about one of his earliest introductions to the Anderson family: attending a big family reunion and stepping into a world full of music, stories, laughter, and deep family connection. That experience gave him a glimpse not only of Whitney’s family, but of the kind of home and heritage that had shaped her. Whitney and Derek also talk about marriage, medical school, mission experiences, church service, and life as parents raising four boys. They reflect on the joy and chaos of family life, the blessings of serving in the Church, and the ways the gospel has anchored them through different seasons and moves. Their stories paint a picture of a home filled with energy, faith, and a sincere desire to keep Christ at the center. A central theme of the episode is the counsel they would pass on to their posterity. Whitney speaks powerfully about finding happiness through Jesus Christ, family relationships, and following the prophet. Together, she and Derek share a testimony of prophetic guidance, temple covenants, and building a home centered on faith. This episode is a tender reminder that family is one of God’s greatest gifts, and that lasting joy comes from keeping an eternal perspective.